Beyond the Hero: List of Side-Characters That Stole the Show

The setup of narrative-driven video games is simple: You have a band of heroes urged to fix the wrongs of their realm–destined to fight the foe that brings darkness. Often, the spotlight is focused on the main hero of the series, which places the other characters as supporting personalities. However, the good thing about well-established narratives is that anyone can rise and steal the hearts of different players. 

While not always in the lead role, these characters captivate audiences and garner enough attention to be in their own game or have a bigger role in the sequel. 

Ellie from The Last of Us

From PlayStation Official GIPHY

Introduced in The Last of Us, Ellie quickly became the heart and soul of the series. Initially shown as a supporting character to Joel, Ellie’s bravery, wit, harsh mouth, and vulnerability captured players’ hearts. Her evolution from a somewhat naive teen to a hardened survivor is masterfully portrayed, showcasing her depth and complexity. However, that’s me stating her obvious growth despite my gripes with the second game. 

But looking at the first game, Ellie’s journey, filled with moments of emotion, naivety, and moral ambiguity, often overshadowed Joel, making her one of the most beloved characters in modern gaming. 

Luigi from Super Mario Bros

From Giphy Gaming official GIPHY

Luigi, the taller green-capped brother of Mario. He has always been the number two in the early games whenever player two stepped up to play; he has always been cast in the shadow of his more famous sibling. However, Luigi’s charm lies in how relatable he is; he isn’t super brave, clumsy, fearful, and yet full of heart. Because of that, he gathered his own fanbase, granting developers the avenue to develop Luigi’s own games. 

Games like the Luigi’s Mansion series have allowed him to enter the spotlight, showcasing his unique talents and personality. Luigi’s endearing nature and the comedic relief he provides have made him a fan favorite, proving that sometimes, the reluctant heroes leave the biggest mark. 

Clementine from The Walking Dead

From Xbox Official GIPHY

Yep, it is another heroine in a zombie world: Clementine. Throughout Telltale’s The Walking Dead, little Clementine has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting as a vulnerable child who players feel compelled to protect, she evolves into a strong, capable leader in her way, becoming a somewhat guardian down the storyline. 

Clementine’s character development, marked by tough decisions and heart-wrenching moments, resonated deeply with players despite her passive role in the first season since it focused mainly on Lee Everett. With a great story, amazing voice acting, and a great cast, Clementine was able to shine and complete her story. 

Tails from Sonic the Hedgehog

From Sonic the Hedgehog Official GIPHY

Miles “Tails” Prower, Sonic’s loyal sidekick, is another iconic side character who has captured the hearts of gamers. His mechanical genius and ability to use his twin tails to fly cement him as a crucial member of Sonic’s crew. But through unwavering support and bravery that complement Sonic’s speed, Tails was able to take center stage and gather his own massive fanbase and cute merch. 

His intelligence, inventiveness, and endearing personality have made him a standout character in his own right.

While main characters often drive the narrative forward, side characters like Ellie, Luigi, Clementine, and Tails bring depth, emotion, and entertainment to their respective games. These characters remind us that heroes come in many forms, and sometimes, those who stand beside the main protagonist leave the most lasting impression. 

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